The FIA has told media outlets there is "no case to answer" amid questions over the legality of an overtaking move by Sebastian Vettel on Jean-Eric Vergne at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Nevertheles, Ferrari has asked for clarification from the governing body.

The move in question saw Vettel overtake Vergne's Toro Rosso while yellow warning lights were still illuminated in his cockpit and as he approached a green trackside light. The suggestion is that he may have overtaken in a yellow flag zone, which is illegal, although the FIA told Autosport a green flag was waving at a marshal post before the move took place. As a result the move was legitimate and outside the yellow flag zone and therefore it was not referred to the stewards.

Earlier on Thursday Ferrari said it was looking at footage of the overtaking move in the knowledge it had until Friday to file an appeal. However, the team revealed on Twitter that it has gone no further than asking for a clarification on the issue.

"Ferrari asked, by means of a letter, for a clarification from FIA regarding VET's overtaking move on VER during lap 4 of the Brazilian GP," the official @InsideFerrari account tweeted.

However, with the FIA saying there is no case to answer in the media and Ferrari not lodging an official protest, it is highly unlikely the issue will go any further.

The FIA director of communication, Norman Howell, told the Associated Press: "The incident wasn't reported to stewards in the first place because it didn't seem like there was a need to report it at the time. Now that Ferrari has sent us a letter asking for an explanation we will give it to them."

Ferrari (and by default Alonso) is like a spoiled, over-compensating, mamma's-boy brat, who fake-dives in soccer and tries to bully his way around the schoolyard. Instead of going out like worthy foes, they leave the championship like cry-babies. This shouldn't shock coming from the team that would have preferred Alonso to be world champion on the back of Ferrari breaking Massa's gearbox seal. In any other sport they would have received penalties for that type of unsportsmanlike conduct.

If Ferrari concentrated half as much on improving the car instead of these pointless 'dirty tricks'... They may have a shot at the title again.

I was fortunate enough to attend and it was an incredible venue and race. Being there, I felt proud that the US finally put together an appropriate "stage" for this great event. I took a video of the start which came out pretty well.

Ferrari (and by default Alonso) is like a spoiled, over-compensating, mamma's-boy brat, who fake-dives in soccer and tries to bully his way around the schoolyard. Instead of going out like worthy foes, they leave the championship like cry-babies. This shouldn't shock coming from the team that would have preferred Alonso to be world champion on the back of Ferrari breaking Massa's gearbox seal. In any other sport they would have received penalties for that type of unsportsmanlike conduct.

If Ferrari concentrated half as much on improving the car instead of these pointless 'dirty tricks'... They may have a shot at the title again.

Initial concerns at the start of the season that tires were making races too much of a lottery dissipated once the 2nd half kicked off and the real WDC contenders emerged. Was happy to see Kimi take a win despite at the misfortune of Lewis. Disappointed in Mark Webber's lack of luck and lack of success in the 2nd half of the season. Finally congrats to Vettel for a well deserved win but a little bit disappointed Alonso wasn't able to pull off the WDC title. Looking forward to next season when I'd expect Vettel and Alonso to continue their tussle for the 2013 WDC. Oh and Hamilton better get used to potentially being less competitive

Keep in mind that each year brings new surprises, new top teams and new struggling teams. Think of the Braun team a few years ago. Or just look at how dominant Red Bull was last year compared to this year, where they were often no better than other teams.

Hamilton could get lucky and be with a top team - or not. That's why they actually run 20 races, instead of just doing it all on a simulator.

Keep in mind that each year brings new surprises, new top teams and new struggling teams. Think of the Braun team a few years ago. Or just look at how dominant Red Bull was last year compared to this year, where they were often no better than other teams.

Hamilton could get lucky and be with a top team - or not. That's why they actually run 20 races, instead of just doing it all on a simulator.

Any word on Robert Kubica?

Last time I heard he will be going rallying.
At the moment he cannot sit in any single seater yet, due to his surgery and braces on his arm. He requires more room in the cockpit.

I think it would've been foolish for any team in any sport not to inquire as to the legality of the pass upon finding out that there was a possibility that a sanction went unapplied.
As for breaking the seal, I remember in 2000, Ferrari froze, or significantly cooled their refuelling rigs at Monza to mess with the volume to gain an ever so slight advantage over McLaren at their home race. This kind of stuff is how F1 has been for a while. Remember Prost and Senna? Talk about un-sportmanlike. Red Bull seems to have won because their car is quick, without being overtly aggressive. McLaren had a great car and somehow ended up 3rd. Ferrari tried everything they had, ran essentially only one driver, and narrowly missed out. Different teams, I guess.

In any other sport they would have received penalties for that type of unsportsmanlike conduct.

Pretty much no other team in the paddock really had any issue with that incident. The rules allow it, and the only reason it was a benefit was because of the unique condition of the starting grid in Austin. Considering that Massa was a free pass card for Alonso regardless of when it happened.

Not to mention that it is a team sport, and Ferrari would have been under just as much scrutiny, maybe more, if they hadn't of done everything in their power.

Largely a non-issue, and if it was then the rules would be revised next season to cover it. (I've heard nothing suggesting that they will be.)

Pretty much no other team in the paddock really had any issue with that incident. The rules allow it, and the only reason it was a benefit was because of the unique condition of the starting grid in Austin. Considering that Massa was a free pass card for Alonso regardless of when it happened.

Not to mention that it is a team sport, and Ferrari would have been under just as much scrutiny, maybe more, if they hadn't of done everything in their power.

Largely a non-issue, and if it was then the rules would be revised next season to cover it. (I've heard nothing suggesting that they will be.)

That's why I said "in any other sport". The FIA will continue on their path of inconsistency and editing the rules as they go along.

Pretty much no other team in the paddock really had any issue with that incident. The rules allow it, and the only reason it was a benefit was because of the unique condition of the starting grid in Austin. Considering that Massa was a free pass card for Alonso regardless of when it happened.

Not to mention that it is a team sport, and Ferrari would have been under just as much scrutiny, maybe more, if they hadn't of done everything in their power.

Largely a non-issue, and if it was then the rules would be revised next season to cover it. (I've heard nothing suggesting that they will be.)

I agree that it was within the rules (shoudln't be though), but it's not fair for everyone that was reshuffled.

Had a lot of respect for Alonso fighting until the last second, but my god I hate Ferrari. They really do remind me of the Italian soccer teams. What a bunch of divas (and divers)